Beauty in Disguise

Fletcher had just picked up another small red berry when he heard the twig behind him snap. The sound jolted through his body, and the berry burst in his already-nervous fingers. The trainer tut-tutted, but was pleased; Fletcher had successfully picked out a nonlethal berry. 

Sheen's sudden arrival seemed to have surprised D3. Tyler, her career partner, and herself had taken to calling tributes by their numbers seeing as there were still many that they had yet to meet. She watched as he clumsily crushed the berry between his fingers. His obvious discomfort at her presence amused her and she struggled to keep down a laugh. Instead, the corners of her mouth twisted upwards as she saw his eyes travel to her badge. Career tributes did tend to have such an effect on the others and it was something that she still had to get used to, though she had to admit that she enjoyed knowing the power that she had over the other tributes.

Seems like someone needs to lighten up, but meh, who am I to say, eh? Tradition, tradition, tradition. Are you really sure it’s tradition and not some kind of scheme of that old man to keep people in line? Probably yeah, but maybe they’re just pretending to be that way to delude you. Who knows, right? Can’t wait for the Game to start so that I can finally see the tributes’ true colour. I suppose not, but somehow I always manage to piss you off, so it must’ve matter to you a little.

Lighten up because the Games is a wonderful rainbow kingdom with fluffy clouds and pink unicorns? Careful with what you're saying there, you nearly sound like a rebel or something. But then again you are the Capitol's bad boy so I guess that's just your nature. I think you should just mind your own business instead of probing into everyone's lives and minds.

Interesting? If by interesting you mean a 2cm big girl jumping around, the D10 girl acting as if she’s the queen of the world and a stupidly weak boy crying about the fact that even his mentors have given up on him, I did. Otherwise, not so much.

D10? The brunette? Oh I saw the boy... Max. He is, I have to say, rather whiney for a tribute. He threw up the other day because of training. Or maybe it was the pressure. I don't remember but either way he seems to be a rather weak boy.

It’s for security purposes that you must not leave.

Yes, I get that. I just can't wait to get started - it's rather exciting.

God, you too, Sheen? Thought you’d be used to the building, by now. I love it.

We've done quite enough waiting around, don't you think?

Well, can’t deny something that’s true, can I? Sure you are, sweetheart, and a Career no less. And like every good Career, you train very hard in order to be able to kill other kids. You - Wow, I seriously thought you couldn’t get anymore tight arse, but you’ve yet to prove me wrong. Protein shake every morning? Seriously?

Seems like someone needs a reality check. I train hard to kill others in order to survive. It's part of the Games, it's part of the tradition. Anyway, who said that I'd do any killing? By the looks of some of the tributes, they'll probably kill themselves by accident. The Games are in a matter of weeks so yes, it's important and do I honestly look like I care about your opinion?

A - Well, what can I say, that old man can’t get enough of me. Aw, already? you’re such a good tribute; with all your training and shit. Are you going to have a high protein lunch to help with your training or whatever?

Yeah, you keep thinking that. I don't care whether or not that was supposed to be sarcasm but I honestly think that I'm a good tribute. Nope, I don't really need that right now. I had my protein shake this morning, once a day is enough right now.

At this point, I don’t expect nothing from anyone

Then why did you even bring it up?

And I’m glad I can help you feel better.

Isn't that what tribute partners are for? Now tell me, have you found anything interesting so far?

Well, unlike you, I’m not stuck in this God forsaken building. Besides, don’t you have some training to do? I’m sure that’ll cheer you up.

Yeah, but you're under constant supervision too. Cheer me up? I've already trained today, I was going to grab something to eat.

"I’m more offended at the fact he practically kicked me in the balls when I needed someone the most…"

And you expect me to comfort you? 

Must we wait so long to kill an irritation?

Exactly my point. I kind of want to get out there already.

And I thought I’m impatient.

I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one.

Afraid so, sweetheart. Afraid so.

Don't you ever get sick of it?

And you actually believe that?

If you want. I don't really care for all this favour nonsense though.